Legacy Won't Change Direction in Conventional

It sounds like the transformer isn't dropping the voltage all the way to zero when you cut the throttle.  The fact that it reverses with the direction button suggests to me that it's not the engine, but rather the transformer.

Thanks John....the Z4Ks show 0.1 volts when handles are down. I have 2 Z4ks and both show the same results. 

If you just break the connection to the track momentarily and it reverses, then it's the transformer that's causing the issue.  I'd try putting a bulb across the outputs of the transformer to see if that kills the residual voltage enough to get it to reverse.  I've seen this with certain engines and some electronic transformers.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

If you just break the connection to the track momentarily and it reverses, then it's the transformer that's causing the issue.  I'd try putting a bulb across the outputs of the transformer to see if that kills the residual voltage enough to get it to reverse.  I've seen this with certain engines and some electronic transformers.

Thanks again, John. I also tried a Z-1000 used for my trolley line, same issue.

I'll try a lightbulb eventually. Lighted caboose and track bumpers didn't seem to help but will give a bulb a try. Not really thrilled about this but it is not a fatal problem.

This is my first Legacy loco and advanced Lionel (have lots of Postwar, LC+ and Modern Conventional Lionel) so I'm sure there is a rather steep learning curve. I've been enjoying watching it circle the layout the past few days.

The lighted caboose or track bumpers should have done what the bulb I suggested would do, if they don't work, I doubt the bulb will change things.

Does it reverse if you momentarily break the connection to the track to trigger the reverse?  I'd like to hear the results of that test.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

The lighted caboose or track bumpers should have done what the bulb I suggested would do, if they don't work, I doubt the bulb will change things.

Does it reverse if you momentarily break the connection to the track to trigger the reverse?  I'd like to hear the results of that test.

As in just killing the power quickly, similar to a direction change? If so, yes to direction button and no to throttle.

This leads me to another issue, which I will post separately.

I'm guessing the issue is the voltage doesn't really go to zero on the outputs and the logic doesn't get a sufficiently long power interruption to actually sense the reversal.  Why not just use the direction button?